Mark Brunell of Jacksonville (3-1) completed all five of his passes for 111 yards. But he took a beating behind a line that struggled, even when Boselli recovering from a knee injury was in for his first 10 snaps of the preseason.

Brackens, expected to sign a six-year contract today, returned to the defense and had four tackles in 10 plays.

But Jacksonville's biggest concerns are on offense.

One disturbing sign came on the play after Boselli exited. With Todd Fordham at left tackle, Brunell took a vicious helmet-to-helmet hit from end Patrick Kerney, who rushed in untouched.

It was one of four hard hits the Jaguars quarterback took during just a quarter, and it was almost identical to what he suffered through last week against Kansas City.

Boselli is no sure thing to return to the lineup when the regular season starts Sept. 3. Neither is center John Wade (foot). Running back Fred Taylor (knee) and right tackle Leon Searcy (quadriceps) will be out.

Without them, the Jaguars rushed for only 21 yards in the first half and managed just three points. On their best scoring threat, the offensive line was stymied twice inside the 4-yard line.

And make no mistake, the Falcons aren't exactly the Monsters of the Midway.

Injuries and offseason defections forced coach Dan Reeves to cobble together a defensive line that consisted of only one starter playing in position, right tackle Shane Dronett.

The Falcons controlled the line and the game while the first teams were in. Three big passes from Brunell to Jimmy Smith none of which led to scores accounted for more than half of the 199 first-half yards they surrendered.

Chandler went 10-for-18 for 124 yards in the first half. Mathis made a great play on the touchdown, nudging Aaron Beasley away to create space, then making the catch in the corner of the end zone.

The race for Atlanta's backup quarterback spot was more-or-less decided when Danny Kanell suffered a fractured right ring finger in the third quarter. Tony Graziani entered and went 6-for-9 for 83 yards and one touchdown.